Nordic Walking Pole Axial Buffer Adjustment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Nordic walking poles are cumbersome to switch between using a rubber buffer and a tip, prone to soiling, and susceptible to dirt accumulation, which can impede movement and require significant force to adjust.

Innovation Solution

A Nordic walking pole design featuring a buffer that can be securely displaced and adjusted axially via a form-fitting connection, with a latching guide mechanism to prevent unwanted movement and an exchangeable profiled sole for improved wear resistance and ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the buffer is made adjustable to switch between tip and buffer usage, then the adaptability to different terrains is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different terrainsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer is divided into a stationary buffer body and a movable buffer cap that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows the cap to be switched between buffer and tip positions without complicating the entire pole structure, resolving the contradiction by enabling adaptability through localized modular adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer cap is designed with dynamic adjustment capability, allowing it to be moved axially between different positions (buffer position and tip position) and locked in place. This dynamic element provides terrain adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as only the cap portion requires adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the buffer is made adjustable with multiple positions, then the versatility for different terrains is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversatility for different terrainsVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment and locking functions are extracted as separate, dedicated mechanisms (adjusting screw and clamping means) rather than being integrated into the main buffer structure. This extraction simplifies the operation by providing dedicated controls for each function, making the switching process more straightforward despite the multiple positions available.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer cap is pre-configured with engagement features (engagement protrusions and recesses) that automatically align with the pole shaft at specific positions. This preliminary design of the engagement geometry enables straightforward switching between positions without requiring complex adjustment procedures during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the buffer is made secure against axial forces, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to axial forcesVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adjusting screw and clamping means are combined into an integrated adjustment mechanism that performs both functions through a single operational element. This merging allows the user to secure the buffer against axial forces while maintaining ease of operation, as the combined mechanism provides both adjustment and locking capabilities in one system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment mechanism utilizes composite structural features combining threaded engagement (for fine adjustment) with friction-based clamping (for securing). This composite approach provides reliable resistance to axial forces while maintaining operational ease through the complementary nature of the two engagement methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Manufacturing precision

If the buffer is made adjustable with small play between tip and shaft, then the precision is improved, but the susceptibility to soiling increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of tip positionVSAvoidsusceptibility to soiling

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer cap serves as an intermediary element between the tip and the pole shaft, providing a protective barrier that prevents dirt and soil from entering the adjustment mechanism. This intermediary structure maintains the small play between tip and shaft for precision while protecting against soiling through its protective positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer cap acts as a flexible protective shell that can accommodate the small movements and play in the adjustment mechanism while sealing against environmental contaminants. This shell structure maintains precision through controlled movement while preventing soil and dirt ingress into the mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS8166989B2Nordic walking pole with rubber buffer

Publication Date: 2012.05.01 LEKISPORT AG

AI summary

A pole, in particular a Nordic walking pole, comprises a pole body (1), with a tip body (2) and a buffer (3) provided at its bottom end. The buffer (3) is displaceably mounted such that it can be arrested in an axial direction in relation to the pole body (1). The buffer (3) can be secured in at least two axially different positions in relation to the pole body (1) via a form-fitting connection.